PET/CT

PET/CT assists with diagnosing and the management of Oncology diseases.

PET/CT is the leading diagnostic tool for many types of cancer, coronary heart disease and neurological problems. PET/CT is the most advanced in whole body imaging. In oncology, PET/CT is the only modality that can accurately image multiple organs at once to diagnose malignancy and even provide information about whether or not cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

PET is a molecular imaging procedure that generates pictures of the location and extent of the disease. By imaging the molecular, biological and functional basis for disease, PET/CT enables a physician to detect abnormal cell growth and activity that may have previously been missed by conventional technologies such as CT or MRI. This information aids in the early detection and improved treatment of many diseases and also due to the enhanced capabilities can be used in pre-surgical staging. The information collected from PET/CT exams can eliminate the need for invasive procedures and enhances therapy monitoring and reduces the number of diagnostic tests.

PET/CT images are created with the help of three technologies: the cyclotron, which produces safe radioisotopes; the scanner, which records the location of the radioactive tracer as it accumulates in different tissues in the body; and a computer, which reconstructs the signals into three-dimensional images of the body.

PET/CT is a service that we provide and should not be confused with the CT scanner. Each modality complement each other and used to diagnosis different information in the treatment plan of our patients. For example, CT looks at anatomy in 3-D formatting, and PET/CT specifically identifies abnormal physiology of tissue or cancer.

PET/CT is available at Fairfield Memorial Hospital via a mobile unit provided by Shared Medical Services. Your Physician may schedule your PET/CT scan by calling the Diagnostic Imaging department at 618-847-8249.